Math Superstars program provides an extra challenge for self-motivated math students. It does not impinge on the normal classroom routine or the time of the teacher. Different levels to meet the needs of all students. Get the DVD set! (www.paec.org - go to “Resources” and click on “FloridaLearns Clearinghouse” to get more info. and to order1-877- 873-7232 ext.2245)
The Problem Solver Activities for Learning Problem-Solving Strategies(Grades K-8)
A step-by-step instructional program designed to help students become competent and confident problem solvers. It utilizes an easy-to-learn, four-step method combined with ten useful problem-solving strategies. Great beginning of year curriculum that will really pay off as the year goes on. (https://www.mheonline.com/ ) “The Problem Solver” 1-800-624-0822)
Hands-On Equations (Grades 3-8)
Hands-On Equations is a visual and kinesthetic teaching system for introducing algebraic concepts to students in grades 3 to 8. Kids really enjoy it! (www.borenson.com 1-800-993-6284)
Mathletics Competition (Grades 6-8)
A Denver Public Schools math program that involves two cluster competitions (4-5 schools at a site) and a final district-wide competition
Mathcounts
A national math program with three competition levels; local, state and national.
Book: Picturing MathHands-On Activities to Connect Math with Picture Book By Coleen Kessler(Gr. 2-4)
roduct Details
Uses specific picture books to teach elementary students math concepts. Subjects covered include problem solving, geometry, measurement, algebra, and probability. (Prufrock Press
Book: It's Alive!: Math Like You've Never Known It Before by Kleiman (Gr. 3-9)
eal Life Mathematics
You can't find a more engaging, delightful, and revolting math book out there. This is real. This is alive This is math the way it ought to be--tough, fun, a little weird but really cool!
Book: Mathability Math in theReal World By Michael Cain(Gr. 5–8)
roduct Details
The six units in this book each have 10 problems that deal with a variety of real-life situations.
Book: Real Life Math Mysteries (Grades 4–10)
A kids’ answer to the question, “What will we ever use this for?”This is real math shared by real people in real jobs.
Book: I Have, Who Has? 38 Interactive Card Games
roduct Details
Reinforces Math skills (multiplication facts, fractions, number patterns, probability, etc) and improves active listening. Minimum prep – maximum participation. (Creative Teaching Press www.creativeteaching.com)
Book: Clues by Chatham (Book 2 Gr. 4-8)
roduct Details
Contains exercises that can be used to stimulate recall of information and to build deductive reasoning skills. No prep, fun problem of the day activity. Also includes clues for Literature, Things, and Logic.
Book: Differentiation Instruction With Menus (Math)by Laurie Westphal (Grades 3–6)
roduct Details
Provides menus and tic-tac-toes that elementary-aged students can use to select exciting products that they will develop, instead of using a traditional worksheet format. This book includes whole numbers/operations, fractions, probability/statistics, geometry, measurement, and problem-solving. (Prufrock Press)
Books: Math Perplexors (Age 8+ leveled books)
Story problems that require deductive reasoning, logical elimination and math skills. Using clues, cross off words in a list of all possible answers to arrive at the solution. Helps students prepare for standardized tests.Students really enjoy Perplexors! (MindWare www.mindwareonline.com 1-800-999-0398)
Book: A Blueprint for Geometry By Fulton/Lombard (Intermediate grades)
roduct Details
Designing and drawing a house to scale.
Website: KidsZone Learning with NCES Create A Graph Website
Put your curser over the skill and it will show you a sample problem so that you can see if this is the skill that you want students to practice http://www.ixl.com/math/grade/sixth/
*Website: Interactivate Technology Centered Math Activities
GEMS Guides (Great Explorations in Math and Science) All Levels
roduct Details
Each classroom session includes an overview, materials list, and preparation steps, followed by clear, step-by-step instructions. Guides on many, many topics! (http://lhsgems.org/gemsguides.htm (510-642-7771)
roduct Details
roduct Details
Book: I Have, Who Has? 14 Interactive Card Games
roduct Details
A way for students to test and reinforce their science content knowledge (plants & animals, forces, motion, simple machines, etc). (Creative Teaching Press www.creativeteaching.com)
DPS Information Literacy & Technology Projects (ILT) All Levels
Provide teachers with standards-based, age-appropriate, engaging technology supportive curriculum. Spanning the K-8 curriculum scope and sequence, the projects focus on literacy in a cross-content application. http://techtraining.dpsk12.org/ilt/
Literature & Thought From Perfection Learning
The Middle School version of Jr. Great Books (but easier to facilitate). This literature series challenges the reader, promotes critical thinking and encourages independent exploration of genres, themes, and issues. ISBN 0-7891-5051-4
Semantics/Spelling Bee
Contest information is sent regularly during the school year.
Young Authors
A showcase of student writing by DPS elementary school aged students.
Game: Baffle Gab A funny story in every game!
roduct Details
You get 5 word cards, a mix of nouns, adjectives, and verbs, and write a story in one minute! Share your stories and laugh out loud. (www.bafflegab.com)
Game: Snatch-It Word Game
roduct Details
The ultimate war of words game that takes just 30 seconds to learn. It works great in a learning center, as a small group activity, or with the entire class. (www.snatchwordgame.comwww.usgamesinc.com)
Book: I Have, Who Has? 38 Interactive Card Games
roduct Details
A motivating and entertaining way for students to reinforce language skills (synonyms, antonyms, grammar, analogies, etc) and improve active listening. Minimum prep -- maximum participation. (Creative Teaching Press www.creativeteaching.com)
Book: Unjournaling by DiPrince
roduct Details
Unjournaling exercises challenge a writer’s creativity and ingenuity. Excellent book for journaling!
Book: Yoga on the Brain by DiPrince
roduct Details
Like Unjournaling but more in-depth. Excellent book for journaling!
Book: Fairy Tales on Trial by Janis Silverman (also Advanced Fairy Tails on Trial for Middle School)
roduct Details
Includes simulated newspaper articles about fairy tale characters who broke the law. Students become the trial judge and determine a punishment. (Pieces or Learning).
Book: Phunny Stuph by M.S. Samston
roduct Details
Proofreading and editing exercises with a sense of humor.
Book: Curriculum Candy,Projects that Sweeten the Literacy Curriculim by Stolmack Eaton
roduct Details
Students with a wide range of abilities, learning styles, and motivation will really enjoy the project-based activities provided in this book. Includes Autobiographical, Novel, Compare/Contrast, Poetry, Persuasion/Opinion, and more. Great project ideas!http://www.prufrock.com/index.cfm
Book: Write What You See by Hank Kellner
roduct Details
A collection of photographs and writing prompts for the classroom. Includes a CD to project images for all to see. Great book!
Book: Blowing Away the State Writing Assessment Test(Third Ed.) By Bell Kiester
lowing Away the State Writing Assessment Test: Four Steps to Better Writing Scores for Students of All Levels with CDROM
This book gives you all the tools you need to teach your students how to respond to any fiction or nonfiction prompt. Includes a CD. Great resource for teaching advanced writing tips!(ISBN 0-929895-93-2)
Clues (Book 2) By Chatham (Gr. 4-8)
roduct Details
Contains exercises that can be used to stimulate recall of information and to build deductive reasoning skills. No prep, fun problem of the day activity. Also includes clues for Math, Things, and Logic.
http://blabberize.com/ 5 steps - find image, download image, reshape mouth, record, publish. Great for research projects!Can put a mouth on anything and it will talk!
A national theme-based competition that meets many of the Colorado Model Content Standards in History, Geography, Civics, Economics, and Reading/Writing.
National Geographic Bee
A nationwide geographic competition for U.S. schools.
Book: The Kid’s Guide to Social Action by Barbara A. Lewis
Includes ready to copy and usesocial action tools and an up-to-date resource guide with addresses, phone numbers and Web sites for other social action groups, govt. offices and awards for kids. (www.freespirit.com 1-800-735-7323)
Book: The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects by Barbara A. Lewis
roduct Details
This book contains over 500 service ideas for young people who want to make a difference. (www.freespirit.com 1-800-735-7323)
Website: National Geographic Kids (Gr. 3+)
Online magazine from National Geographic. Provides animal information, videos, activities, stories, and more. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
Website: The Pursuit of Technology Integration Happiness
DPS has purchased this for the entire districts use and it is excellent! A one-stop source for information on today's hottest social issues.(http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/denv02029)
Creativity and Additional Enrichment
Description
Book: Mind Sparklers by Robert Meyers (gr. K-3)
roduct Details
40 activities that are designed to persuade your students to think critically and creatively.
Book: Primarily Creativity By Joan Vydra (gr. 1-3)
roduct Details
Designed to develop various kinds of creativity including Awareness, Curiosity, Imagination, Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, Elaboration, and Perseverance.
Book: I Believe in Unicorns by BobStanish
Believe in Unicorns: Classroom Experiences for Activating Creative Thinking
Great Literacy tie-in. Includes classroom experiences for activating creative thinking.
Book: Creativity Tackle Box by Laura Magner
reativity Tackle Box: Using Creative Thinking to Solve Real Problems
Activities include using creative thinking to solve real problems.
Psychology for Kids Vol. 1, Vol. 2 By Kincher
40 fun tests that help you learn about yourself. Great for a Character Ed. or leadership group!
Clues (Book 2) By Chatham (Gr. 4-8)
roduct Details
Contains exercises that can be used to stimulate recall of information and to build deductive reasoning skills. No prep, fun problem of the day activity. Also includes clues for Math, Things, and Logic.
Optimist Brain Bowl
Students form teams and demonstrate their knowledge of a variety of subjects such as math, science, history, current events.
Destination Imagination
The goals of DI are to: foster creative and critical thinking, learning and applying creative problem solving methods, developing teamwork and much much more.
Extracurricular Enrichment Activities The activities explained below are coordinated by the Denver Public Schools Gifted and Talented Department. However they are not limited to identified G/T students. All DPS students are encouraged to participate in these activities. Dates for activities and competitions are distributed to schools by the Gifted & Talented Education Department through GT Coordinators at schools. To find out more about a particular activity, contact your GT Coordinator or Becky Butz at 303 405 8274 or becky_Butz@dpsk.org
Brain Bowl
...Is a challenging and fun opportunity for students to participate in a rapid response general knowledge competition that promotes teamwork and enthusiasm for academics. Brain Bowl provides a framework for students to expand their classroom learning by using analysis, application, knowledge, and comprehension skills. Brain Bowl can be offered during the school day as an enrichment activity or as an after school club.
Available to grades 6-8
Contact: Becky Butz 303 405 8274 Colorado State Spelling Bee
...Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain News, it is designed to help students improve their spelling, vocabulary, language, and reading skills. In an effort to prepare our middle school students for this event, DPS sponsors cluster spelling bees, which familiarize students with the spelling bee format, prior to the state competition. Denver Public Schools will send 25 top spellers to the state competition.
...Is the creative problem-solving program offered by Denver Public Schools and the University of Denver. It is a school-based program that encourages divergent thinking, creative problem solving, and teamwork. Teams of up to seven students, encouraged by adult team managers, devise solutions to team challenges that they present, along with a solution to a surprise instant challenge, at the Denver Regional Tournament in the Spring. The top placing teams advance to the Colorado State Tournament where they compete for the right to represent Colorado at the Global Finals, which brings together teams from across the country and the world.
...Is an exciting opportunity for students to study in depth about historical issues, ideas, people, and events. This program encourages students to choose a topic and research its historical significance and relationship to the annual theme. Students present their findings in papers, exhibits, performances, or documentaries, which are evaluated by historians and educators.
Available to grades 6-12
Contact Becky Butz 303 405 8274
MathCounts
...Is a national competition designed to stimulate 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students' interests and abilities in mathematics. Coached by teachers or volunteers, students prepare by studying a wide range of math concepts. Emphasis is on expanding math knowledge and learning how to analyze and approach problems. Schools compete in the Metro Competition in an attempt to earn the right to advance to the state and national competitions. Each school is allowed to enter one team consisting of four students plus four additional students.
Available to grades 6-8
Contact: Becky Butz 303 405 8274
Mathletics
...Is a math competition for DPS middle school-aged students. Schools are allowed to send up to three teams, each made up of four students plus an alternate, to each competition. Four or five schools compete at each cluster competition. The final district competition involves students from all schools at a central site. Mathletics is intended to expand the depth and breadth of students' knowledge of math concepts. It may be offered during the school day as a challenging enrichment activity or after school as a club.
...Is a competition designed to challenge students' knowledge of physical and cultural geography and current events issues. School Bee winners take a written test to qualify for the state competition, where students compete to participate in the national level Geography Bee.
...Is a national program that emphasizes learning in science through active, hands-on group participation. A school team of 15 prepares during the school year to compete at the North Regional Tournament. Top teams advance to the State Competition. The top state team in each group advances to the National Competition. These inter-scholastic competitions consist of individual and team events that encourage learning in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, problem solving, and technology.
Available to grades 6-12
Contact: Pam Fisher 303 832 1036
Shakespeare Festival
...Held each Spring in downtown Denver, involves hundreds of DPS students. The Festival, now in its 20th year, is designed to make Shakespeare come alive for the students. Pre-festival, curricular-based activities generate knowledge of Shakespeare and his plays. The Festival includes dance, vocal, and instrumental music, juggling, puppetry, and fencing as well as sonnets and scenes from Shakespeare's plays, all performed in the true Elizabethan style of "street theater." The Festival has grown in size and prestige since its inception. Thousands of students have come to understand and delight in the works of Shakespeare because of their participation in the Festival.
Available to grades K-12
Contact: Joe Craft 303 405 8278 Young Authors' Conference
...Held each Spring, is a district-wide celebration of student writing. Each elementary school selects student authors and illustrators of two books, one from grades K-2 and the other from grades 3-5, to attend this conference. Students display their published books and participate in a special program.
Enrichment Resources
(www.paec.org - go to “Resources” and click on “FloridaLearns Clearinghouse” to get more info. and to order1-877- 873-7232 ext.2245)
(https://www.mheonline.com/ )
“The Problem Solver” 1-800-624-0822)
(Grades 3-8)
(www.borenson.com 1-800-993-6284)
(Grades 6-8)
By Coleen Kessler (Gr. 2-4)
by Kleiman (Gr. 3-9)
By Michael Cain (Gr. 5–8)
(Grades 4–10)
38 Interactive Card Games
(Creative Teaching Press www.creativeteaching.com)
(Book 2 Gr. 4-8)
(Grades 3–6)
(Age 8+ leveled books)
(MindWare www.mindwareonline.com 1-800-999-0398)
By Fulton/Lombard
(Intermediate grades)
Hands-on-Math Projects
http://www.ixl.com/math/grade/sixth/
http://www.edutechintegration.com/p/mathematics-resources.html http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/
(Great Explorations in Math and Science) All Levels
14 Interactive Card Games
(all levels)
From Perfection Learning
38 Interactive Card Games
(Creative Teaching Press www.creativeteaching.com)
by DiPrince
by DiPrince
(Pieces or Learning).
by Stolmack Eaton
by Hank Kellner
By Bell Kiester
By Chatham (Gr. 4-8)
http://www.edutechintegration.com/p/english-resources.html English Resources
http://www.letterpop.com/builder.php
(Gr. K-5)
http://www.umass.edu/aesop/
(www.freespirit.com 1-800-735-7323)
by Robert Meyers (gr. K-3)
By Joan Vydra (gr. 1-3)
by Bob Stanish
By Chatham (Gr. 4-8)
Extracurricular Enrichment Activities
The activities explained below are coordinated by the Denver Public Schools Gifted and Talented Department. However they are not limited to identified G/T students. All DPS students are encouraged to participate in these activities. Dates for activities and competitions are distributed to schools by the Gifted & Talented Education Department through GT Coordinators at schools. To find out more about a particular activity, contact your GT Coordinator or Becky Butz at 303 405 8274 or becky_Butz@dpsk.org
Brain Bowl
...Is a challenging and fun opportunity for students to participate in a rapid response general knowledge competition that promotes teamwork and enthusiasm for academics. Brain Bowl provides a framework for students to expand their classroom learning by using analysis, application, knowledge, and comprehension skills. Brain Bowl can be offered during the school day as an enrichment activity or as an after school club.
Available to grades 6-8
Contact: Becky Butz 303 405 8274
Colorado State Spelling Bee
...Sponsored by the Rocky Mountain News, it is designed to help students improve their spelling, vocabulary, language, and reading skills. In an effort to prepare our middle school students for this event, DPS sponsors cluster spelling bees, which familiarize students with the spelling bee format, prior to the state competition. Denver Public Schools will send 25 top spellers to the state competition.
Available to grades 6-8
Contact: Bill Shaefer 303 322 0479
Becky Butz 303 405 8274
Destination ImagiNation (DI) http://www.DestinationImagiNation.org
...Is the creative problem-solving program offered by Denver Public Schools and the University of Denver. It is a school-based program that encourages divergent thinking, creative problem solving, and teamwork. Teams of up to seven students, encouraged by adult team managers, devise solutions to team challenges that they present, along with a solution to a surprise instant challenge, at the Denver Regional Tournament in the Spring. The top placing teams advance to the Colorado State Tournament where they compete for the right to represent Colorado at the Global Finals, which brings together teams from across the country and the world.
Available to grades K-12
Contact: Becky Butz 303 405 8274
...Is an exciting opportunity for students to study in depth about historical issues, ideas, people, and events. This program encourages students to choose a topic and research its historical significance and relationship to the annual theme. Students present their findings in papers, exhibits, performances, or documentaries, which are evaluated by historians and educators.
Available to grades 6-12
Contact Becky Butz 303 405 8274
MathCounts
...Is a national competition designed to stimulate 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students' interests and abilities in mathematics. Coached by teachers or volunteers, students prepare by studying a wide range of math concepts. Emphasis is on expanding math knowledge and learning how to analyze and approach problems. Schools compete in the Metro Competition in an attempt to earn the right to advance to the state and national competitions. Each school is allowed to enter one team consisting of four students plus four additional students.
Available to grades 6-8
Contact: Becky Butz 303 405 8274
Mathletics
...Is a math competition for DPS middle school-aged students. Schools are allowed to send up to three teams, each made up of four students plus an alternate, to each competition. Four or five schools compete at each cluster competition. The final district competition involves students from all schools at a central site. Mathletics is intended to expand the depth and breadth of students' knowledge of math concepts. It may be offered during the school day as a challenging enrichment activity or after school as a club.
Available to grades 6-8
Contact: Becky Butz 303 405 8274
National Geography Bee http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee/
...Is a competition designed to challenge students' knowledge of physical and cultural geography and current events issues. School Bee winners take a written test to qualify for the state competition, where students compete to participate in the national level Geography Bee.
Available to grades 4-8
Contact: National Geographic at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee/
Science Olympiad
...Is a national program that emphasizes learning in science through active, hands-on group participation. A school team of 15 prepares during the school year to compete at the North Regional Tournament. Top teams advance to the State Competition. The top state team in each group advances to the National Competition. These inter-scholastic competitions consist of individual and team events that encourage learning in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, problem solving, and technology.
Available to grades 6-12
Contact: Pam Fisher 303 832 1036
Shakespeare Festival
...Held each Spring in downtown Denver, involves hundreds of DPS students. The Festival, now in its 20th year, is designed to make Shakespeare come alive for the students. Pre-festival, curricular-based activities generate knowledge of Shakespeare and his plays. The Festival includes dance, vocal, and instrumental music, juggling, puppetry, and fencing as well as sonnets and scenes from Shakespeare's plays, all performed in the true Elizabethan style of "street theater." The Festival has grown in size and prestige since its inception. Thousands of students have come to understand and delight in the works of Shakespeare because of their participation in the Festival.
Available to grades K-12
Contact: Joe Craft 303 405 8278
Young Authors' Conference
...Held each Spring, is a district-wide celebration of student writing. Each elementary school selects student authors and illustrators of two books, one from grades K-2 and the other from grades 3-5, to attend this conference. Students display their published books and participate in a special program.
Available to grades K-5
Contact: Becky Butz 303 405 8274